The Electoral Commission (EC) has received a significant boost with the acquisition of a permanent site for its operations. The National Housing and Construction Company Limited has officially handed over a 10-acre piece of land in Lweza–Lubowa, valued at approximately Shs 15 billion, to the Commission.
Although the land has been formally allocated, Eng. Kenneth Kaijuka, CEO of National Housing, noted that full payment for the property is yet to be completed.
Speaking during the handover ceremony on Friday, Kaijuka revealed that the site has been developed to host the upcoming presidential nominations scheduled for September 23 and 24, 2025, as part of the project’s first phase. Key infrastructure already completed includes a perimeter wall, parking areas, pedestrian walkways, restrooms, CCTV surveillance, an ICT Centre, and lighting systems.
“We expedited the work to ensure the venue is ready for presidential nominations. I can confidently say the site is technically and professionally prepared,” said Kaijuka.
He added that this “symbolic phase” of the project is specifically intended for the nominations, after which the site will be returned to National Housing for continued development in preparation for next year’s vote tallying and other election activities.
Justice Simon Byabakama, Chairperson of the Electoral Commission, hailed the development as a landmark achievement in strengthening Uganda’s democratic institutions:
“This venue is not just a temporary site for nominations; it represents a significant step toward establishing a permanent home for the Electoral Commission. We thank the government for funding this initiative, which reflects a strong commitment to nurturing democracy in Uganda.”
Also present at the event was the Minister of Works and Transport, Gen. Edward Katumba Wamala, who welcomed the shift away from previous venues such as Namboole Stadium—now unavailable due to preparations for the upcoming AFCON tournament.
“The environment here is far more conducive than previous sites like Kyambogo. I believe this will enable the EC to manage the electoral process more efficiently,” Gen. Katumba noted.
He also called upon the Uganda Police Force, particularly the traffic department, to begin immediate planning for traffic flow and public safety in the Lweza–Lubowa area during the nomination period and beyond.
In conclusion, Gen. Katumba emphasized the importance of safeguarding every Ugandan’s right to participate in the electoral process freely and without fear or intimidation.
